The notion of what constitutes 'literacy' has shifted over time, from the de-coding of words where it is placed in the realm of an individual, cognitive skill to multiple literacies in the 21st century. This volume makes a timely contribution to our understanding of literacy as a multi-faceted, complexly situated activity.

Vicky Duckworth is Senior Lecturer and MA Co-ordinator in Post Compulsory Education and Training (PCET) and Schools' University Lead at Edge Hill University, UK.

Gordon Ade-Ojo is Principal Lecturer, Lifelong Learning Sector Network Coordinator and co-leader of the MA education programme at the University of Greenwich, UK.

1. Introduction: Is practice keeping pace with policy? Gordon Ade-Ojo and Vicky Duckworth 2. Towards a functional curriculum model of social literacy: literacy for specific purposes Gordon Ade-Ojo 3. Literacy and Transformation Vicky Duckworth 4. Survey Literacy Mary Hamilton 5. Expanding the academic literacies frame: implications for understanding curriculum contexts in higher education Lynn Coleman and Mary R.Lea 6. Information Literacy in the workplace: generic and specific capabilities Mark Hepworth 7. Repurposing information literacy for the 21st century John Crawford 8. Moving with the times: how mobile digital literacies are changing childhood Guy Merchant 9. (Afterword): Locating adult literacy education in new places David Barton